AFC West preview: Raiders end playoff drought

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The AFC West produced last year’s Super Bowl champions and six playoff teams over the past three seasons. That’s a loaded lot, especially considering the Raiders haven’t been part of the playoff picture in a decade-plus.

Some teams have regressed while others surged, forming a division that should be as competitive as ever considering the Denver Broncos have won five straight division titles. The Raiders have put themselves back in the mix, with a respected coaching staff and talent upgrades.

How exactly will this division shake out? Injuries will have their say but, talent establishes a proper hierarchy in a division that produces lots of wins in the 2016 season.

1. Kansas City (11-5)

The Chiefs don’t have many weaknesses on a roster than didn’t suffer many losses from a year ago. That 2015 squad won 11 straight, including a playoff game. Operating without Justin Houston is a big blow, but Kansas City has depth off the edge with Tamba Hali and Dee Ford. Those guys should keep the pressure up, with quarterback Alex Smith as a steadying offensive presence, Jeremy Maclin as a legitimate receiving threat and a committee of running backs who should run strong despite Jamaal Charles’ ongoing recovery from an ACL tear. Andy Reid teams rarely falter, and it’s tough to imagine them doing so here.

2. Raiders (10-6)

The Raiders are a sexy pick to make their first postseason since 2002, but winning the offseason doesn’t win games. Talent does, and this team has plenty of it. The Raiders aren’t perfect, but should be pretty good. Head coach Jack Del Rio’s bunch is better than a year ago, with a growing young core and established free agents helping areas of weakness. They have the work ethic and resolve required to survive tough games at home and on the road. And, of course, they have stars at vital positions ready to make a significant impact. Khalil Mack is a force, Amari Cooper seems primed to improve on a 1,000-yard season and Derek Carr is a smart passer with a big arm who should be better than every AFC West quarterback save Philip Rivers. That’s a recipe for success, one that could get spoiled by injury or underwhelming performance, especially in areas where the Raiders don’t have much depth. There are holes on the depth chart, but there’s enough quality here to find balance and win enough to earn a wild-card spot.

3. Denver (8-8)

The Broncos still have an all-world defense. That hasn’t changed since they won the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in February, despite inevitable opponent cherry picking during free agency. There is, however, a simple reason why the Broncos will take a step back: their quarterback situation. And, I know. Denver didn’t get good quarterback play last year and survived, but Peyton Manning’s ability to pick defenses apart garnered respect from opponents. Starter Trevor Siemian, who has never attempted a regular-season NFL pass, must prove himself to defenses ready to bottle C.J. Anderson and Denver’s zone running game. The Broncos defense isn’t invincible, and there will be enough offenses Denver can’t keep up with, especially if young quarterbacks make key mistakes, to drop them to .500.

4. San Diego (6-10)

The Chargers were 4-12 last season, with too many last-second losses to expect similar results. Elimination of some bad luck will increase the win total for a team buoyed yet again by quarterback Philip Rivers. The Chargers should be able to score considering Rivers ranks among the best quarterbacks, Keenan Allen is healthy, Antonio Gates is savvy and Melvon Gordon can’t possibly play worse that last year. There is, however, nobody outside cornerback Jason Verrett who strikes fear on this defense. It hurts them that rookie holdout Joey Bosa will be a nonfactor early, leaving the front seven without the bite others in this division offer.

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